Written by: Jason Jowers, MS, MFT
Moving on average every 2-3 years, military kids face change quite often (DOD, 2023). These changes are familiar, yet present unique challenges. A common change happens when military families move to a new base, community, or school. Changes like these lead to the disruption of established friendships and can also affect academic progress.
When a military kid walks into a new school, they are not just learning different teachers’ names; they are adjusting to new routines, new classes, cultural norms, and expectations. Research shows that students perform better academically and feel more confident when they feel connected and included in their school community. This sense of belonging acts as a buffer against the stress that comes with transition and fosters resilience, confidence, and engagement. (MCEC, n.d.).
With integration into a new school system and a new community, how can we help military-connected youth thrive?
Student 2 Student (S2S) Program
One program making a big impact is the Military Child Education Coalition’s (MCEC) Student 2 Student (S2S) Program. It’s student-led and focuses on peer support. Designed to welcome new students, S2S is helping to create a positive school environment, support academic success, and ease transitions for all students, including military-connected children and youth (MCEC, n.d.).
Founded in 2004, S2S helps students lead with empathy and purpose. They greet new students on their first day, give out welcome packets, and lead tours of classrooms and important spots on campus. They ensure new students eat lunch with someone. This simple act helps turn worries into a sense of belonging. Follow-ups from current students help new students adjust socially and academically in the first few days.
A positive school environment is a huge key to academic success. Students who feel welcome and supported are more likely to engage in class, take healthy social risks, and reach their full potential. For military-connected kids, leaving behind friends and support systems can be tough. A welcoming environment really helps, especially when they need to make new friends. S2S programs turn uncertainty into confidence, fear into connection, and isolation into community.
Programs like S2S cultivate future leaders among current school students. Schools can build empathy, resilience, and leadership. They can do this by putting students in roles where they guide, mentor, and advocate for others. This approach benefits the whole community. Participating students boost their communication and collaboration skills. These skills will help them in school and later in life.
Student 2 Student also isn’t just limited to kids in military households. Its design helps bridge connections between military and civilian students. When kids from different backgrounds unite to help new students, empathy and friendship can blossom. This cross-community collaboration builds a stronger, more unified school culture where every student can thrive.
Schools that can welcome new students with enthusiasm set a great example of being community-oriented. For military parents and families, this means peace of mind. They know their children will have stable ground, no matter how often life requires them to pack up and move. Programs like Student 2 Student show how schools can help military kids feel welcome during transitions and relocations. For more information, including instructions on starting an S2S program locally, visit: https://militarychild.org/programs-and-initiatives/student-2-student/.
References
Military Child Education Coalition. (n.d.) Homepage. militarychild.org
U.S. Department of Defense. (2023, April 3). Month of the Military Child 2023 – Taking Care of Our Military Children. https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3349616/month-of-the-military-child-2023- taking-care-of-our-military-children/
Photo credit: Николай Срибяник/ Adobe Stock
